LEXINGTON, Ky. — Averaging 42.9 points and 14.2 rebounds per game, Pendleton County High School’s Dontaie Allen was the sure-fire leader for Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball award when he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee on Dec. 22.

Some speculated Allen’s limited action during his senior season – a total of 13 games – might cost him the Mr. Basketball honor, but it ultimately didn’t matter.

Allen, a 6-foot-7 University of Kentucky signee, was named the Mr. Basketball winner during a ceremony held Tuesday at the Lexington Center Bluegrass Ballroom.

Boyd County guard Savannah Wheeler, a Marshall signee, was named Miss Basketball.

Allen suffered his injury in a 61-24 loss to Cooper and had surgery in early January. He finished his career with 3,255 points (10th in state history) and 1,228 rebounds (22nd in state history).

“I wasn’t really expecting to (win),” Allen said. “I was just living in the moment, honestly. … I think people appreciated the way I played.”

Allen was part of a strong quartet of seniors who entered the season as Mr. Basketball front-runners, joining Trinity’s David Johnson (University of Louisville signee), Scott County’s Michael Moreno (uncommitted) and University Heights’ KyKy Tandy (Xavier signee). Tandy was the only one of the four who did not miss games this season because of an injury.

Coach Keaton Belcher called it “a sad day in Pendleton County” when news broke Allen had suffered a torn ACL.

“I thought he still had a chance because of the senior season he was having,” Belcher said. “And when you sign with the University of Kentucky, that puts you in a primary spot to win big awards. We’re all just so happy for Dontaie because he’s such a good kid and represents Pendleton County in the right way.

“I think everybody in Pendleton County will always think, ‘What if?’ This made up for what could have been a great season.”

Allen said no timeline is set for when he’ll return to action, adding that he has a doctor’s appointment scheduled Wednesday.

He said he does not plan to redshirt next season at UK.

“I think I’ll be good by then, but I’m just going to play it by ear,” Allen said.

Wheeler, a 5-6 guard, is averaging 30.5 points and 6.9 rebounds for a Boyd County team that is 28-4 after winning the 16th Region championship. The Lions (28-4) will face Male on March 14 in the first round of the Girls Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.

Wheeler played her first varsity game as a sixth-grader and has 3,593 career points, ranking sixth in state history.

“It’s just a great feeling,” said Wheeler, who committed to Marshall as a sophomore. “Being from that area, people wouldn’t expect it. But I’m just very glad to represent my school and my community. … Before I even got in high school, I’ve wanted to accomplish this goal. All the hard work paid off.”

Boyd County coach Pete Fraley said Wheeler’s greatest asset is her competitiveness.

“I’ve said all year that I have the best player in the state. I feel like I was vindicated tonight. I was more nervous tonight than I was (Monday) night before the regional final. I had not control here tonight. I had no control (Monday) night.

Mr. Basketball finalists from Louisville were Jeffersontown’s Blake Butler (Sixth Region Player of the Year) and Trinity’s David Johnson (Seventh Region Player of the Year). Miss Basketball finalists from the Louisville area were Bullitt East’s Emmy Ralph (Sixth Region Player of the Year) and Manual’s Nila Blackford (Seventh Region Player of the Year).